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In a move likely to enrage Xbox 360 and Wii owners alike, Sony Computer Entertainment of America (SCEA) has released a cost versus benefits assessment of all three consoles. And guess which machine won?

On top of Blu-ray support, integrated Wi-Fi and “huge hard drives,” Sony claimed the PS3 offers “ten years of value with a future-proof system”.

But its assessment of the Xbox 360 was less positive. It said the Microsoft console requires additional financial outlay after purchase – presumably to bring it up to the PS3’s level. Multiple upgrades and additional external devices may also be required for the Xbox 360. The Xbox 360 will put a “burden on the wallet” and add “clutter to the entertainment center”, Sony claimed

And the Wii? Sony says the console's lack of enhanced features comes at the "expense of a comprehensive entertainment solution”.

The company drew up a price versus features breakdown of the three consoles. It found that wPS3 owners must shell out $399 (£264/€293) for the 80GB model to get Wi-Fi, Blu-ray, an HDMI port and other features, but Xbox 360 Arcade owners would have to pay between $449 and $499 (£364/€393) to get the same.

It conceded that the Wii’s $249 price tag made it the cheapest of the trio, but said most of the PS3’s included features, such as Blu-ray, aren’t even available on the Nintendo console.

But in the end, Sony concludes that the PS3 would continue to evolve without the need for additional parts or expenses, but that gamers should “expect the competition to continue peddling add-ons in an effort to keep up”.

Do you agree with Sony’s console comparison? Let us know your thoughts. ®